Chandigarh November 27, 2024: A lecture on “Varivid Rang of Life in the Literature of Harivansh Rai Bachchan” was organized by the Hindi department, Punjab University, Chandigarh today under the birth anniversary special program. Dr. Ashwani Shandilya (Assistant Professor, District and Training Institute, Panchkula) presented a subject based lecture as the keynote speaker in this program.
Dr. Ashwani Shandilya said that Harivansh Rai Bachchan is one of those select litterateurs who gained fame for writing in both poetry and prose styles. His life is a source of inspiration for all of us because he has faced every problem in his life with determination. Bachchan ji has taught us that even though there are many challenges in life, we should always remain hopeful and look towards the future. That is why he wrote the poem – ‘Jo Beet Gayi So Baat Gayi’. 
He presents the harsh reality of life to his readers through his creations. The subjects of his creations are religion, patriotism, family life, love, bearing the burden of harsh reality of life, yet giving the message of joy, will to live, and staying in life. Talking about the fame and popularity of Harivansh Rai Bachchan, he said that Bachchan ji was such a poet whom the listeners were excited to listen to. Literary figures like Acharya Hazari Prasad Dwivedi and Dharamvir Bharti had praised the frankness, honesty, detail and meaningfulness prevalent in Bachchan’s autobiography.
At the beginning of the program, the Head of the Department, Prof. Ashok Kumar and other members of the faculty, Prof. Neerja Sood, Prof. Baijnath Prasad and Prof. Gurmeet Singh formally welcomed the guest by presenting him a gift.
After the lecture, on everyone’s request, Dr. Ashwani Shandilya recited his own composition. Also, Prof. Baijnath Prasad expressed his views on the works of Harivansh Rai Bachchan and recited his poem 'Yidhiye Khada Raha Ki Tum Mujhe Pukar Lo'. And in the end, the Head of the Department Prof. Ashok Kumar thanked the guest of the program and the keynote speaker Dr. Ashwani Shandilya, the faculty members and the audience present.
Researchers and students of the department were present in this program. The program was successfully conducted by researcher Monika.